JP2010211372A - Image forming system, printer device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the power consumed in a power saving state by a printer device constituting an image forming system. <P>SOLUTION: A communication part 31 receives both a first image forming command from a first terminal device requested to transmit the image forming command and a second image forming command from a second terminal device other than the first terminal device from a network 4 since receiving the image forming device at a UI part 33 till passing a predetermined period of time, but does not receive the second image forming command from the second terminal device other than the first terminal device requested to transmit the image forming command after passing the period of time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, a printer device, and a program.

In general, for example, in an image forming system in which a terminal device and a printer device are connected via a communication line such as a network, the printer device saves power according to the reception status of a print command from the communication line. The power state is set. However, it is difficult to predict from the printer device the timing at which a print command or the like is transmitted from the communication line. For this reason, even when the printer apparatus shifts to the power saving state, the communication function unit that receives the print command from the communication line is maintained in the operating state.
For example, in Patent Document 1, a sub CPU that consumes less power than the main CPU is provided as a control unit such as a network interface. In the energy saving mode (power saving state), the main CPU is turned off and only the sub CPU is energized. A technique for issuing a return trigger from a sub CPU to a main CPU in response to data reception from a network interface or the like is described.

JP 2004-5029 A

Here, generally, maintaining the operating state of the communication unit that receives image data or the like from the communication line increases the power consumed by the printer device that has shifted to the power saving state.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it reduces power consumed in a power saving state in a printer device constituting an image forming system.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device that forms an image according to an image formation command, a command transmission device that transmits the image formation command to the printer device, and communication between the printer device and the command transmission device. The printer device receives the input of the image formation instruction by the operator, and receives the input of the image formation instruction by the reception unit, thereby transmitting the image formation instruction. Command requesting means for requesting the command transmitting device via the communication line, and until the predetermined period has elapsed after the image forming instruction is received by the receiving means, the command requesting means Both the image formation command from the command transmission device requested to transmit the formation command and the image formation command from a command transmission device other than the command transmission device are transmitted. A communication unit that receives an image formation command from a command transmission device other than the command transmission device requested to transmit the image formation command by the command requesting unit after the period has been received. An image forming system characterized by the above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the communication unit upon receipt of an input of the image formation instruction by the reception unit, and power supply is stopped upon completion of image formation according to the image formation command. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein:
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the printer device further includes an image processing unit that performs image processing according to the image forming command, and the image processing unit transmits the image forming command by the command requesting unit. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein an image forming command from a command transmitting device other than the requested command transmitting device is subjected to image processing, and image data generated by the image processing is stored in a storage device. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the third aspect, the power supply of the image processing unit is stopped in response to the stop of the power supply to the communication unit.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a receiving unit that receives an input of an image formation instruction by an operator and an input of the image formation instruction by the receiving unit, thereby transmitting an image forming command via a communication line. A command requesting unit for requesting an external device, and a command for which transmission of an image forming command is requested by the command requesting unit until a predetermined period has elapsed after the image forming instruction is received by the receiving unit. Both the image forming command from the transmitting device and the image forming command from the command transmitting device other than the command transmitting device are received from the communication line, and after the period has elapsed, the command requesting unit transmits the image forming command. And a communication unit that does not receive an image forming command from a command transmission device other than the command transmission device requested.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the communication unit upon receipt of an input of the image formation instruction by the reception unit, and power supply is stopped upon completion of image formation in accordance with the image formation command. The printer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the printer apparatus is a printer apparatus.
The invention according to claim 7 further includes image processing means for performing image processing in accordance with the image forming instruction, wherein the image processing means is the instruction requested to transmit the image forming instruction by the instruction requesting means. 6. The printer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an image forming command from a command transmission apparatus other than the transmission apparatus is subjected to image processing, and image data generated by the image processing is stored in a storage device.
The invention according to claim 8 is the printer apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image processing means is stopped in response to the stop of the power supply to the communication means.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the computer receives a function of accepting an input of an image formation instruction from an operator, and receives an input of the image formation instruction, thereby transmitting an image formation instruction to an external device via a communication line. The requested function and the image formation command from the external device requested to transmit the image formation command and the external device other than the external device until a predetermined period after the image formation instruction is received. The image forming command is received from the communication line, and after the period has elapsed, the function of not receiving the image forming command from an external device other than the external device requested to transmit the image forming command is realized. It is a program characterized by this.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, it is possible to reduce the power consumed in the power saving state in the printer device constituting the image forming system.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the amount of power consumption in the printer device generated when the printer device receives a signal that is not necessary to be transmitted via the communication line. Increase can be suppressed.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, after the image forming command is received from the command transmitting device requested to transmit the image forming command, the image forming command from the command transmitting device and the command other than the command transmitting device are received. By collectively processing the image forming commands from the transmission device, it is possible to reduce the power required for the image forming operation compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in the amount of power consumed by the command processing means for processing the image forming command, as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.

According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to reduce the power consumed in the power saving state in the printer device as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted, the amount of power consumption in the printer device generated when the printer device receives a signal that is not required to be transmitted via the communication line. Increase can be suppressed.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, after the image forming command is received from the command transmitting device requested to transmit the image forming command, the image forming command from the command transmitting device and the command other than the command transmitting device are received. By collectively processing the image forming commands from the transmission device, it is possible to reduce the power required for the image forming operation compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an unnecessary increase in the amount of power consumed by the command processing means for processing the image formation command, as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumed in the power saving state in the printer device as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the terminal device of this Embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. It is a figure explaining the operation mode set with the image forming apparatus of this Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram explaining an example of the procedure of the image formation process performed with the image forming system of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the processing content when the control part of this Embodiment sets the communication state of a communication part. 6 is a first half of a flowchart showing an example of processing contents when the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment executes image forming processing. 7 is a second half of a flowchart showing an example of processing contents when the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment executes image forming processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents when the terminal device according to the present embodiment transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Description of image forming system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the image forming system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, command transmission devices installed in a work space (for example, a desk) of a user (operator) and terminal devices 2 </ b> A to 2 </ b> C as examples of external devices (hereinafter “terminal”) An image forming apparatus 3 as an example of a printer apparatus that forms an image on a sheet based on image data created / stored by the terminal apparatus 2 is an example of a communication line. It is connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication via a network 4 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet. The communication means may include a communication line such as a telephone line or a satellite communication line (for example, a spatial transmission line in digital satellite broadcasting).
Normally, a plurality of terminal devices 2 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 3 can be connected on the network 4, but in FIG. 1, three terminal devices 2A to 2C and one unit are respectively shown as a part thereof. 2 shows a configuration in which the image forming apparatus 3 is connected.

<Description of terminal device>
Then, the terminal device 2 (2A-2C) of this Embodiment is demonstrated.
The terminal device 2 constituting the image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1 uses, for example, a personal computer (PC), and creates / stores image data including documents, figures, graphics, photographs, and the like.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the terminal device 2 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 2 that generates an image forming command for the image forming device 3 is configured to control the operation of the entire terminal device 2 and the control unit 20 that performs various types of information processing, and image data according to predetermined application software. And an image data creation unit 24 for creating a user interface (UI) unit 22 for receiving an instruction input from the user and displaying various information to the user. Further, the terminal device 2 communicates with the external storage unit 23 in which programs and various data are stored and the network 4 to acquire information transmitted from the image forming device 3 and to display information such as an image forming command as an image. A communication unit 21 as an example of a communication unit that transmits to the forming apparatus 3 is provided. Further, the terminal device 2 includes a power supply unit 25 that supplies power to each component of the terminal device 2.
The control unit 20, communication unit 21, UI unit 22, external storage unit 23, image data creation unit 24, and power supply unit 25 are connected to a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect bus) bus 26. Thereby, these components transmit and receive signals to and from each other via the PCI bus 26.

  The communication unit 21 includes a communication control unit 211 that controls data communication between the control unit 20 and the network 4, and a network interface (NET_I / F) unit 212 that transmits and receives data between the communication control unit 211 and the network 4. As an example of a storage device that stores a PCI interface (PCI_I / F) unit 213 that transmits and receives data between the communication control unit 211 and the PCI bus 26, and an image formation command (print command: “print job”). The print job storage unit 215 is provided. An address as an example of identification information is assigned to the print job storage unit 215.

  Here, the above-described components of the terminal device 2 are realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, in the external storage unit 23, an operating system for controlling each component of the terminal device 2, application software for executing a specific function of each component in cooperation with the operating system, and an image A printer driver program for generating a print job to the image forming apparatus 3 relating to image data created by the data creation unit 24, image data stored in the external storage unit 23, and the like is stored. Then, the CPU (not shown) of the terminal device 2 reads these programs from the external storage unit 23 to the main storage device (for example, RAM), and each component such as the control unit 20, the communication unit 21, and the image data creation unit 24. Perform processing to realize the function of.

  For example, when a print instruction is input to the UI unit 22 by the user, the control unit 20 reads the printer driver program from the external storage unit 23 and activates the printer driver program. The control unit 20 that also functions as a command generation unit that generates an image formation command (print job) is stored in the image data generated by the image data generation unit 24 or the external storage unit 23 according to the printer driver program. A print job generation process related to image data or the like is executed. When the control unit 20 according to the present embodiment generates a print job, the control unit 20 transfers the generated print job to the print job storage unit 215 provided in the communication unit 21.

<Description of print job transmission processing in communication unit of terminal device>
In the terminal device 2, the NET_I / F unit 212 of the communication unit 21 receives a transmission instruction for a print job from the image forming apparatus 3 (hereinafter, “print job transmission instruction”). In this case, the image forming apparatus 3 identifies the print job storage unit 215 of the terminal device 2 based on the address assigned to the print job storage unit 215. Upon receiving the print job transmission instruction, the communication control unit 211 determines whether the print job instructed to be transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 is stored in the print job storage unit 215. When the print job that is the target of the transmission instruction is stored in the print job storage unit 215, the communication control unit 211 responds to the print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3 and print job storage unit 215. The NET_I / F unit 212 controls to transmit the print job stored in the image forming apparatus 3 to the image forming apparatus 3. On the other hand, when the print job to be transmitted is not stored in the print job storage unit 215, the communication control unit 211 ends the process corresponding to the print job transmission instruction.

That is, the communication control unit 211 temporarily stores the print job generated by the control unit 20 in the print job storage unit 215. Then, when the communication control unit 211 receives a print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3 in the communication unit 21, the communication control unit 211 displays the print job that is the target of the transmission instruction stored in the print job storage unit 215. 3 to send.
In this case, the print job stored in the print job storage unit 215 is recognized as a file from the image forming apparatus 3 side via the communication control unit 211 of the terminal device 2. Then, when the user designates a print job recognized as a file from the UI unit 33 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatus 3, a “print job transmission instruction” is transmitted to the terminal device 2. Become.

<Description of Print Job Transmission Processing by Instruction from UI Unit in Terminal Device>
Further, when the terminal device 2 receives an instruction to transmit a print job stored in the print job storage unit 215 from the user, for example, in the UI unit 22, the communication control unit 211 is stored in the print job storage unit 215. The print job is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3. In this case, even when the NET_I / F unit 212 of the communication unit 21 does not receive the above-described print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3, the communication control unit 211 transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 3.

  In the terminal device 2 according to the present embodiment, the print job is set to be stored in the print job storage unit 215 arranged in the communication unit 21, but is set to be stored in the external storage unit 23. May be. Further, for example, the information may be stored in a storage device provided in a server connected to the network 4. Moreover, you may comprise so that it may memorize | store in the memory | storage device provided in the other terminal device connected to the network 4. FIG. In this case, the server or another terminal device receives the print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3 and transmits the print job that is the target of the transmission instruction to the image forming apparatus 3.

<Description of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned on and the period when there is no print instruction from the user to the image forming apparatus 3 continues for a predetermined time, the power consumption is reduced. The state is set. Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 3, acquisition of a signal (packet) including a print job transmitted from the terminal apparatus 2 via the network 4 is stopped. Thereafter, when the user instructs the image forming apparatus 3 to specify a print job to be printed, the image forming apparatus 3 returns from the power saving state to the operable state (operating state). When the image forming apparatus 3 returns to the operating state, first, a first communication state (hereinafter, “first communication mode”) that accepts a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2 is set. At the same time, a print job transmission instruction is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 side to the terminal apparatus 2 that holds (stores) the print job to be printed.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 3 transmits a print job until a predetermined time elapses from the setting of the first communication mode or until a predetermined number of print jobs are received in the first communication mode. The reception of the print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 that has not transmitted the instruction is stopped. Then, the image forming apparatus 3 sets a second communication state (hereinafter, “second communication mode”) that accepts only a print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction. After setting the second communication mode, when a print job to be printed is received from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction, the image forming apparatus 3 executes an image forming process relating to the print job. . When the image forming process related to the print job from the terminal device 2 that transmitted the print job transmission instruction is completed, or when the print job is not transmitted from any of the terminal devices 2 that transmitted the print job transmission instruction, If the print instruction from the user is not input again even after a predetermined standby time has elapsed, the power saving state is set again. As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 stops acquiring packets via the network 4 including the print job from the terminal device 2.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment, the operation state starts with the input of the print instruction by the user as the starting point. Similarly, when the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on, the operation state is started. When the operation state is started, the image forming apparatus 3 first sets a first communication mode for accepting a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2. At the same time, the terminal apparatus 2 is instructed to transmit a print job to be printed. Then, after the first communication mode is set, the process shifts to the second communication mode in which only the print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is accepted until a predetermined period elapses. When a print job is acquired from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction, a period until the end of the image forming process for the acquired print job or a predetermined time after the end of the image forming process The operating state is continued for a period until it elapses.
On the other hand, the power saving state is set in a period other than the period in which the operation state is set. In the power saving state, the operation of the component that communicates with the network 4 is also stopped, and acquisition of various packets including a print job transmitted via the network 4 is stopped. That is, when the power saving state is set, a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 is not accepted regardless of whether a print job transmission instruction is transmitted.

  In this case, for example, the user may select in advance whether or not to set the first communication mode immediately after the image forming apparatus 3 starts operating. That is, when the user inputs a print instruction or the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on, the second communication mode is set immediately without going through the first communication mode. It may be configured. At that time, the user's selection may be switched by a dedicated switch.

<Description of Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
Subsequently, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment that performs the above-described operation will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 3 communicates with the control unit 30 as an example of an image processing unit that performs various kinds of information processing including operation control of the entire image forming apparatus 3 and image processing, and the network 4. A communication unit 31 is provided as an example of a communication unit that performs transmission and reception of information. The image forming apparatus 3 includes a user interface (UI) having an instruction input receiving unit 331 as an example of a receiving unit that receives an instruction input such as an image forming instruction from a user and a display unit 332 that displays various types of information to the user. A portion 33 is provided.
Further, the image forming apparatus 3 includes an image output unit 36 as an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet in accordance with a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the network 4. As the image output unit 36, for example, an electrophotographic image forming engine is used.
In addition, the image forming apparatus 3 includes various programs such as an operating system for controlling each component of the image forming apparatus 3 and application software that executes a specific function of each component in cooperation with the operating system. And an external storage unit 39 for storing various data such as image data.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 3 converts, for example, 100 V power supplied from a commercial power source into a predetermined voltage (for example, 24 V, 12 V, 5 V, 3 V) and supplies it to each component as an example of a power supply unit. The power supply unit 38 is provided. The power supply unit 38 includes a first power line 351 that supplies control system power of, for example, a voltage of 5 V or 3 V to the control unit 30 or the communication unit 31, and a drive system of, for example, a voltage of 24 V or 12 V to the image output unit 36 or the like. A second power line 352 that supplies power and a third power line 353 that supplies control system power to the instruction input receiving unit 331 of the UI unit 33 are connected.
The power supply unit 38 sets supply or stop of control system power to the first power line 351 according to the operation mode (operation state) of the image forming apparatus 3 set by the control unit 30, and the second Supply or stop of drive system power to the power line 352 is set. On the other hand, the power supply unit 38 constantly supplies control system power to the third power line 353.

Meanwhile, the control unit 30, the communication unit 31, the image output unit 36, the UI unit 33, the external storage unit 39, and the power supply unit 38 arranged in the image forming apparatus 3 are connected to the PCI bus 37. Accordingly, these components transmit and receive signals to and from each other via the PCI bus 37.
The above-described components of the image forming apparatus 3 are realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. Specifically, a CPU (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 3 reads various programs such as an operating system and application software from the external storage unit 39 to the main storage device (for example, RAM), and controls the control unit 30, the communication unit 31, And the process which implement | achieves the function of each structure part, such as UI part 33, is performed.

<Description of Function of Control Unit of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, functions of the control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
The control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 3 has a function of processing a print job acquired via the network 4 first. That is, the control unit 30 performs processing (image processing) on the image data included in the print job according to the print job acquired from the terminal device 2 via the network 4, and the processed image data is processed by the image output unit 36 or the external unit. Transfer to the storage unit 39.
The image processing performed by the control unit 30 on the image data included in the print job is to generate intermediate data by analyzing, for example, image data in a PDL (Page Description Language) format included in the print job. PDL analysis processing, rendering processing that develops (renders) the intermediate data generated by the PDL analysis processing into image formation image data (raster image data, etc.) expressed in an array of pixels, and prints the rendered image data Color conversion processing for color conversion to color system image data (for example, YMCK) suitable for processing, screen processing for the color-converted image data, and the like are included.

The control unit 30 also has a function of controlling the operation mode (operation state) of the image forming apparatus 3 in accordance with the input status of the print instruction from the UI unit 33 by the user.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an operation mode set in the image forming apparatus 3 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, each image forming apparatus 3 has “image forming operation mode” and “standby mode”, which are examples of operating states, and “sleep mode”, which is an example of power saving states, as operation modes. And are set.
The image forming operation mode is set when, for example, a print job is acquired from the terminal device 2 and is an operation state in which the image output operation on the paper according to the print job is executed by the image output unit 36. The standby mode is set when a print instruction is input from the user in the UI unit 33 or when the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on. For example, when a print job is acquired from the terminal apparatus 2, image formation is performed immediately. This is an operation state for shifting to the operation mode. In the image forming operation mode and the standby mode equivalent thereto, the components (for example, the control unit 30 and the communication unit 31) that perform operations related to control / processing in the image forming apparatus 3 from the power supply unit 38 via the first power line 351. Control system power is supplied, and drive system power is supplied via the second power line 352 to a component (for example, the image output unit 36) that performs an operation related to image formation in the image forming apparatus 3.

  The sleep mode is an operation state that is set when there is no print instruction input from the UI unit 33 even after a standby time T of a predetermined time length after the standby mode is set, for example. In the sleep mode, only the instruction input receiving unit 331 of the UI unit 33 continues to operate, and other components such as the control unit 30, the communication unit 31, the display unit 332 of the UI unit 33, and the image output unit 36 are Stop operation. That is, in the sleep mode, control system power is supplied from the power supply unit 38 to the instruction input reception unit 331 via the third power line 353. On the other hand, the control system power from the power supply unit 38 to the components (for example, the control unit 30 and the communication unit 31) that perform operations related to control / processing in the image forming apparatus 3 via the first power line 351 is stopped, and the first The driving system power to the components (for example, the image output unit 36) that performs operations related to image formation in the image forming apparatus 3 via the two power lines 352 is stopped. Thereby, power saving by the sleep mode is achieved.

For example, when the print instruction is not input from the instruction input receiving unit 331 even after the standby time T after the standby mode is set, the control unit 30 outputs a sleep mode transition signal instructing the shift to the sleep mode. Generate. Here, the waiting time T includes “0”, and the sleep mode transition signal may be generated immediately after the standby mode is set.
On the other hand, when a print instruction is input from the instruction input receiving unit 331 with the sleep mode set, the power supply unit 38 starts to supply control system power from the first power line 351 to the control unit 30. . Thereby, the control unit 30 returns from the stopped state. Then, in response to the input of the print instruction by the user from the instruction input receiving unit 331, the returned control unit 30 generates a sleep mode return signal that instructs to return from the sleep mode.

Then, the control unit 30 transmits the generated sleep mode transition signal or sleep mode return signal to the power supply unit 38 via the PCI bus 37. When the power supply unit 38 acquires the sleep mode transition signal from the control unit 30, the supply of control system power from the first power line 351 is stopped and the supply of drive system power from the second power line 352 is stopped. As a result, the components other than the instruction input receiving unit 331 stop operating.
When the power supply unit 38 acquires the sleep mode return signal from the control unit 30, the control system power supply from the first power line 351 is started and the drive system power supply from the second power line 352 is started. To do. Thereby, the components related to the image forming process such as the control unit 30, the communication unit 31, and the image output unit 36 are set in an operable state (operating state).

  Further, the control unit 30 controls the communication state (communication mode) set in the communication unit 31 when the standby mode is set by turning on the power of the image forming apparatus 3 or inputting a print instruction from the user in the UI unit 33. It has the function to do. That is, when the standby mode is set, the control unit 30 first sets the first communication mode in which the communication unit 31 accepts a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2. Then, after a predetermined period has elapsed, the communication unit 31 is set to the second communication mode in which only the print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is accepted.

<Description of Communication Unit of Image Forming Apparatus>
Next, the communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described.
The communication unit 31 of the image forming apparatus 3 performs data communication with the network 4 when the image forming operation mode and the standby mode are set. As shown in FIG. 3, the communication unit 31 performs transmission / reception of data between the communication control unit 311 that controls data communication between the control unit 30 and the network 4, and between the communication control unit 311 and the network 4. A network interface (NET_I / F) unit 312 and a PCI interface (PCI_I / F) unit 313 for transmitting and receiving data between the communication control unit 311 and the PCI bus 37 are provided.

Further, the communication unit 31 stores an address assigned to the print job storage unit 215 of one or a plurality of terminal devices 2 (2A to 2C) to be acquired from which a print job to be printed is acquired. 316 is provided.
As a specific example of a method of storing (registering) an address in the address storage unit 316, there is a method in which the user inputs the address of the print job storage unit 215 to the address storage unit 316 using the instruction input receiving unit 331. Also, there is a method in which the communication control unit 311 acquires the address of the print job storage unit 215 from one or a plurality of terminal devices 2 connected to the network 4 and registers the address in the address storage unit 316. Also, there is a method of registering in the address storage unit 316 via the network 4 from the terminal device 2 side. In addition, for example, there are various methods such as storing the address of the print job storage unit 215 of the terminal device 2 in a server (not shown) connected to the network 4 and registering the address in the address storage unit 316 collectively from the server. The registration method is used.

<Description of Image Forming Process Procedure in Image Forming System>
A procedure of image forming processing in the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, when a print job generated by the terminal device 2 is subjected to image forming processing by the image forming device 3, the user turns off the power of the image forming device 3. If the image forming apparatus 3 is already turned on, a printing instruction is input from the UI unit 33 (instruction input receiving unit 331). When the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus 3 starts up and is set to the standby mode. Further, when a print instruction is input from the UI unit 33, the image forming apparatus 3 returns from the sleep mode to the standby mode.

  When the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the standby mode, the control unit 30 sets the first communication mode in the communication unit 31 that accepts a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2. At the same time, when the standby mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3 and the user designates a print job from the UI unit 33 of the image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 30 holds the print job to be printed from the communication unit 31. A print job transmission instruction is transmitted to the terminal device 2 that performs the processing.

That is, the communication unit 31 in which the first communication mode is set accepts a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 regardless of the terminal device 2 that is the transmission source, and transfers the print job to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 performs image processing on the transferred print job, and temporarily stores the image data generated by the image processing in the external storage unit 39. Then, the image data stored in the external storage unit 39 is subjected to image forming processing when the image forming operation mode is shifted in the second communication mode. In this case, the image data generated by the image processing may be immediately transferred to the image output unit 36, and the image forming apparatus 3 may be shifted from the standby mode to the image forming operation mode.
Further, the communication unit 31 in which the first communication mode is set specifies the address assigned to the print job storage unit 215 of the terminal device 2 and transmits a print job to be printed to the terminal device 2. Request. Here, the print job to be printed is specified by the user specifying a print job in the print job storage unit 215 that is recognized as a file from the UI unit 33 of the image forming apparatus 3.

After setting the first communication mode in the communication unit 31, the control unit 30 passes a predetermined time from the setting of the first communication mode or prints a predetermined number of prints in the first communication mode. When the job is received, the communication unit 31 stops accepting a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 that has not transmitted a print job transmission instruction. Then, in the communication unit 31, the control unit 30 sets a second communication mode in which only the print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is accepted.
When the communication unit 31 in which the second communication mode is set receives the print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction, the communication unit 31 transfers the print job to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 performs image processing on the transferred print job, and transfers image data generated by the image processing to the image output unit 36. As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 shifts from the standby mode to the image forming operation mode, and the image output unit 36 executes image forming processing. In this case, if there is image data stored in the external storage unit 39, the image forming process is also performed on this image data.
Thereafter, when the image forming process is completed, the image forming apparatus 3 shifts from the image forming operation mode to the standby mode. If no print instruction is input after the standby time T has elapsed after the transition to the standby mode, the sleep mode is set again in the image forming apparatus 3.

Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 3, during the period excluding the setting period of the first communication mode and the second communication mode (which may include a predetermined period after the end of the image forming process), the UI Except for the instruction input receiving unit 331 of the unit 33, a sleep mode is set in which the operations of the image forming function unit such as the image output unit 36 and the components such as the control unit 30 and the communication unit 31 are stopped. Therefore, the power consumption in the image forming apparatus 3 during the sleep mode setting period is only the power consumed mainly by the instruction input receiving unit 331. Further, since the operation of the communication unit 31 is stopped, acquisition of various packets including a print job transmitted via the network 4 is stopped.
Also, a predetermined period from when the image forming apparatus 3 transmits a print job transmission instruction to the terminal apparatus 2 holding the print job and when the image forming apparatus 3 receives the print job from the terminal apparatus 2 that transmitted the print job transmission instruction. The first communication mode is set and a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2 is accepted. For this reason, the period until the print job is received from the terminal apparatus 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is effectively utilized by processing any print job from the terminal apparatus 2. Further, since the standby mode is already set during this period, an increase in power consumption is also suppressed.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the procedure of the image forming process performed in the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 3 is already turned on.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the user designates an address assigned to the print job storage unit 215 of the terminal device 2 from the UI unit 33 (instruction input reception unit 331) of the image forming apparatus 3 and becomes a print target. A print instruction is input for the print job (A). For example, when the user designates an address assigned to the print job storage unit 215 of the terminal device 2 from the UI unit 33 (instruction input reception unit 331), a print job in the print job storage unit 215 recognized as a file is displayed. It is displayed on the UI unit 33 (display unit 332). Then, by designating one or a plurality of files from the files (print jobs) displayed on the display unit 332, a print instruction for a print job to be printed is input.

The image forming apparatus 3 set in the sleep mode (power saving state) by the print instruction input from the UI unit 33 returns from the sleep mode to the standby mode (operating state) (B). Then, in the image forming apparatus 3 in which the standby mode is set, a first communication mode that accepts a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2 is set (C). Accordingly, the communication unit 31 accepts a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2 (for example, the terminal device 2C).
Further, the image forming apparatus 3 instructs the terminal apparatus 2 including the print job storage unit 215 that stores the print job to be printed, to transmit the designated print job (D).

The image forming apparatus 3 sets the first communication mode in the communication unit 31 and then, for example, a predetermined time elapses from the setting of the first communication mode or is predetermined in the first communication mode. In a second communication mode in which only a print job from the terminal device 2 (for example, the terminal device 2A) that has transmitted a print job transmission instruction is received after a predetermined period such as a period until a number of print jobs are received. Transition (E).
The terminal device 2 that has received the print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3 transmits the print job to be transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 from the print job storage unit 215 (F). The image forming apparatus 3 that has received the transmission of the print job from the terminal device 2 shifts to the image forming operation mode (operating state) (G) and starts image forming processing according to the print job (H). In this case, the image forming process is also executed for the print job from the terminal device 2 (for example, the terminal device 2C) received at the time of setting the first communication mode.
Note that after the communication unit 31 shifts to the second communication mode, the communication unit 31 does not accept a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 (for example, the terminal device 2C) that has not transmitted a print job transmission instruction. .

Subsequently, when the image forming process is completed (I), the image forming apparatus 3 shifts the operation mode to the standby mode (J). After that, if there is no print instruction input again from the UI unit 33 even after the predetermined standby time T has elapsed, the image forming apparatus 3 shifts the operation mode to the sleep mode (K).
When the print job is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 in (F), (G) to (K) are not executed, and printing from the UI unit 33 is performed even after a predetermined waiting time T has elapsed. When there is no instruction input, the image forming apparatus 3 shifts the operation mode from the standby mode to the sleep mode (L). However, even in this case, if there is a print job accepted when the first communication mode is set, (G) to (K) are executed.

<Description of communication mode setting process for communication unit>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents when the control unit 30 sets the communication state (communication mode) of the communication unit 31.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the image forming apparatus 3 is powered on (Yes in Step 101), the UI unit 33 (instruction input receiving unit 331) prints from the user. An instruction input is monitored (step 102). If there is no print instruction input from the user, monitoring of the input of the print instruction is continued as it is (No in step 102).
On the other hand, when the UI unit 33 (instruction input receiving unit 331) receives a print instruction input from the user (Yes in Step 102), if the sleep mode is set in the image forming apparatus 3 (Yes in Step 103). The power supply unit 38 starts supplying control system power to the control unit 30 (step 104). Thereby, the control unit 30 returns from the stopped state and shifts the image forming apparatus 3 to the standby mode (step 105).
When the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is off (No in step 101), when the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on (Yes in step 106), the control unit 30 turns the image forming apparatus 3 off. The standby mode is set (step 107).

Subsequently, when the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the standby mode, for example, if it is specified by the user's selection to set the first communication mode after setting the standby mode (Yes in step 108). ), The control unit 30 sets the first communication mode in the communication unit 31 (step 109).
When the first communication mode is set in the communication unit 31, the control unit 30 starts measuring time with a timer (not shown) (step 110). Further, the number of print jobs received by the communication unit 31 is measured (step 111). Then, the control unit 30 sets the second communication mode in the communication unit 31 (step 114) when the measurement time has passed a predetermined time (Yes in step 112). In addition, the control unit 30 determines that if the number of print jobs received by the communication unit 31 exceeds the predetermined number even if the measurement time has not passed the predetermined time (No in step 112) ( In step 113, the second communication mode is set in the communication unit 31 (step 114).
On the other hand, if the image forming apparatus 3 is not designated to set the first communication mode after the standby mode is set by the user's selection (No in step 108), the control unit 30 immediately transmits the communication unit 31. Is set to the second communication mode (step 114).

<Description of Image Forming Process in Image Forming Apparatus>
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of processing contents when the image forming apparatus 3 executes image forming processing.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, in the image forming apparatus 3, when the standby mode is set (step 201) and the communication unit 31 is set to the first communication mode (Yes in step 202), the control unit 30 Then, a print job transmission instruction is transmitted from the communication unit 31 functioning as an example of an instruction request unit to the terminal device 2 including the print job storage unit 215 that stores a print job to be printed (step 203).
When the communication unit 31 acquires a print job from the terminal device 2 (Yes in Step 204), the communication control unit 311 transfers the acquired print job to the control unit 30 (Step 205). The control unit 30 performs image processing on the transferred print job, and temporarily stores the image data generated by the image processing in the external storage unit 39 (step 206).
On the other hand, when the standby mode is set and the communication unit 31 is immediately set to the second communication mode (No in step 202), the processing from step 208 is performed.

After step 206, the control unit 30 sets the communication unit 31 to the second communication mode (Yes in step 207), and the communication unit 31 transmits from the terminal device 2 in response to a print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3. When the acquired print job is acquired (Yes in Step 208), the communication control unit 311 transfers the acquired print job to the control unit 30 (Step 209). The control unit 30 performs image processing on the transferred print job and transfers it to the image output unit 36 (step 210). As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to the image forming operation mode (step 211), and the image output unit 36 executes image forming processing according to the print job (step 212). In this case, if there is image data stored in the external storage unit 39 when the first communication mode is set, the image forming process is also executed for the image data. By collectively performing the image forming process, the power consumed in the image forming process is reduced.
When the second communication mode is set, the communication unit 31 does not receive a print job that is not a print job transmitted from the terminal device 2 in response to a print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3. Further, the processing from step 204 to step 206 is repeated until the communication unit 31 is set to the second communication mode (No in step 207).
Thereafter, when the image forming process relating to the print job in the image output unit 36 is completed, the control unit 30 shifts the image forming apparatus 3 to the standby mode (step 213).

Subsequently, moving to FIG. 8, at the same time as shifting to the standby mode in step 213, the control unit 30 starts measuring time (step 214).
Further, because the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit 215, the terminal device 2 does not transmit the print job in response to the print job transmission instruction from the image forming device 3, and the communication unit 31 does not transmit the print job. When the print job from No. 2 is not acquired (No in Step 208), the process immediately proceeds to Step 214, and the control unit 30 starts measuring time (Step 214).

When the measured time has passed a predetermined standby time (Yes in Step 215), the control unit 30 causes the image forming apparatus 3 to enter the sleep mode (Step 216).
On the other hand, until the measured time exceeds a predetermined standby time (No in step 215), the control unit 30 monitors the input of the print instruction in the UI unit 33 (instruction input receiving unit 331) (step 215). 217). When the printing instruction input from the user is received before the standby time elapses (Yes in step 217), the control unit 30 resets the measured time (measurement time) (step 218) and returns to step 202. The communication unit 31 is set to the first communication mode or the second communication mode. Further, the control unit 30 continues to measure time until the standby time elapses (No in step 217).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment operates when the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is turned on or when the user issues a print instruction to the image forming apparatus 3 while the power is on. A possible state (operation state) is set. Then, the image forming apparatus 3 acquires a print job from the terminal device 2, and executes image forming processing according to the print job. At that time, the communication unit 31 is first set with a first communication mode for accepting a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2. Then, for example, after a predetermined time elapses from the setting of the first communication mode, or after a predetermined period such as a period until a predetermined number of print jobs are received in the first communication mode. The communication unit 31 is shifted to the second communication mode in which only the print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is accepted.

  Until a print job is received from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction, for example, it takes some time to take out the print job from the terminal device 2 via the network 4 and to develop the print job. For this reason, during the period until the print job is received from the terminal apparatus 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction, this period is effectively utilized by accepting the print job from any terminal apparatus 2. In particular, when the print job received from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is a large-capacity print job or a print job for security printing, the address is stored in the address storage unit 316 of the image forming apparatus 3 ( If a terminal device 2 that has not been registered urgently wants to perform image formation processing, receiving a print job from another terminal device 2 during the period until the print job is received effectively processes the print job. It is effective in doing. Even if any print job is received from the terminal device 2 during this period, since the standby mode is already set during this period, an increase in power consumption is also suppressed.

  The image forming apparatus 3 sets the power saving state again when the image forming process is completed or when a print job is not acquired from the terminal device 2. In the power saving state, the operation of the communication unit 31 is stopped, so that the CPU in the control unit 30 is suppressed from being activated by a packet that is not necessary to be transmitted via the network 4. In addition, power consumption in the power saving state is mainly power consumed by the instruction input receiving unit 331. Thereby, power saving of the image forming apparatus 3 is achieved.

<Description of Print Job Transmission Processing at Terminal Device>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing contents when the terminal apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment transmits a print job to the image forming apparatus 3.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the terminal device 2 of the present embodiment, the communication unit 21 monitors a print job transmission instruction transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 (step 301). If there is no print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3, monitoring of the print job transmission instruction is continued as it is (No in step 301).
On the other hand, when the communication unit 21 acquires a print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3 (Yes in step 301), the communication control unit 211 determines whether or not the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 215 ( Step 302).

If the communication control unit 211 determines that the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 215 (Yes in step 302), the communication control unit 211 sends the print job stored in the print job storage unit 215 from the NET_I / F unit 212. The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 (step 303).
On the other hand, if the communication control unit 211 determines that the print job is not stored in the print job storage unit 215 (No in step 302), the communication control unit 211 ends the process according to the print job transmission instruction and returns to step 301. To continue monitoring the print job transmission instruction.

  As described above, in the terminal device 2 according to the present embodiment, the print job stored in the print job storage unit 215 is sent to the image forming apparatus 3 when the print job transmission instruction is issued from the image forming apparatus 3. Send. On the other hand, if there is no print job transmission instruction from the image forming apparatus 3, the print job is not transmitted to the image forming apparatus 3 even if the print job is stored in the print job storage unit 215. As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 receives a print job from the terminal apparatus 2 only when there is a print instruction from the user, so that it is not necessary to keep the communication unit 31 operating at all times, and power consumption is reduced. .

As described above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 3 uses the image forming apparatus 3 as a trigger to save power when the operation of the communication unit 31 is stopped. Transition from state to working state. Then, the image forming apparatus 3 acquires a print job that is an object of image formation from the terminal apparatus 2 and executes an image forming process. In the image forming apparatus 3, when the image forming process is completed, or when a print job is not acquired from the terminal device 2, the power saving state is set again.
As a result, the image forming apparatus 3 is shifted to an operating state only when the user performs printing, and a power saving state is set in which the operation of the communication unit 31 is also stopped during other periods. For this reason, in a period other than the period during which the user performs printing, the CPU in the control unit 30 is suppressed from being activated by a packet that is not required to be transmitted via the network 4. In addition, power consumption in a period other than the period during which the user performs printing is mainly power consumed by the instruction input receiving unit 331. Thereby, power saving of the image forming apparatus 3 is achieved.

  Further, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 3 is set to the operating state, the communication unit 31 first receives the first job for receiving a print job transmitted from any terminal device 2. The mode is set. Then, for example, after a predetermined time elapses from the setting of the first communication mode, or after a predetermined period such as a period until a predetermined number of print jobs are received in the first communication mode. The communication unit 31 is shifted to the second communication mode in which only the print job from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is accepted. As a result, a period until the print job is received from the terminal device 2 that has transmitted the print job transmission instruction is effectively used, and the print job is processed efficiently. Moreover, since this period is already set to the operating state, an increase in power consumption is also suppressed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system, 2 (2A-2C) ... Terminal device, 3 ... Image forming apparatus, 4 ... Network, 20, 30 ... Control part, 21, 31 ... Communication part, 22, 33 ... User interface (UI) part 24 ... Image data creation unit 36 ... Image output unit 38 ... Power supply unit 211,311 ... Communication control unit 215 ... Print job storage unit 316 ... Address storage unit

Claims (9)

A printer device for forming an image in accordance with an image forming command;
A command transmitting device for transmitting the image forming command to the printer device;
A communication line for performing communication between the printer device and the command transmission device;
The printer device includes:
Receiving means for receiving an input of an image formation instruction by an operator;
Command receiving means for requesting the command transmitting device to transmit the image forming command via the communication line by receiving the input of the image forming instruction in the receiving means;
From the time when the image forming instruction is received by the receiving unit until a predetermined period elapses, an image forming command from the command transmitting device requested to transmit the image forming command by the command requesting unit and the The command transmission apparatus which has received both of the image formation commands from the command transmission apparatus other than the command transmission apparatus from the communication line and has been requested to transmit the image formation command by the command request means after the period has elapsed. An image forming system comprising: a communication unit that does not receive an image forming command from any other command transmitting device.   The power of the communication unit is supplied when the image forming instruction is received by the receiving unit, and the supply of power is stopped when the image forming according to the image forming command is completed. 2. The image forming system according to 1. The printer device further includes image processing means for performing image processing according to the image forming command,
The image processing unit performs image processing on an image forming command from a command transmitting device other than the command transmitting device requested to transmit the image forming command by the command requesting unit, and stores image data generated by the image processing The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising:   4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the image processing unit stops power supply in response to a stop of power supply to the communication unit. Receiving means for receiving an input of an image formation instruction by an operator;
A command requesting unit for requesting an external device to transmit an image forming command via a communication line by receiving the input of the image forming instruction in the receiving unit;
From the time when the image forming instruction is received by the receiving unit until a predetermined period elapses, an image forming command from the command transmission device requested to transmit the image forming command by the command requesting unit and the command Both the image forming command from the command transmitting device other than the transmitting device are received from the communication line, and after the period has elapsed, the command requesting unit other than the command transmitting device requested to transmit the image forming command A printer device comprising: a communication unit that does not receive an image formation command from a command transmission device.   The power of the communication unit is supplied when the image forming instruction is received by the receiving unit, and the supply of power is stopped when the image forming according to the image forming command is completed. 5. The printer device according to 5. Further comprising image processing means for performing image processing in accordance with the image formation command;
The image processing unit performs image processing on an image forming command from a command transmitting device other than the command transmitting device requested to transmit the image forming command by the command requesting unit, and stores image data generated by the image processing The printer device according to claim 5, wherein the printer device is stored.   The printer apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image processing unit stops power supply in response to a stop of power supply to the communication unit. On the computer,
A function of accepting input of an image formation instruction by an operator;
A function of requesting an external device to transmit an image formation command via a communication line by receiving an input of the image formation instruction;
Until an elapse of a predetermined period from when the image formation instruction is received, an image formation instruction from the external device requested to transmit an image formation instruction and an image formation instruction from an external device other than the external device A function of receiving both from a communication line and not receiving an image formation command from an external device other than the external device requested to transmit an image formation command after the period has elapsed. program.

Images